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Public Sector Staff Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Questions (674)

Seán Kyne

Question:

674. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the opportunities that persons in lower grades of the Public Service have been afforded ion contributing to the reforms of the public service as sought in the Public Service Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50644/12]

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Written answers

The publication of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 (Croke Park Agreement) coincided with a review of the Department that was carried out under the Organisational Review Programme (ORP), a centrally-led review of the capacities of Government Departments. In order to develop the Action Plan arising from the ORP Review, working groups composed of staff from all grades were established to ensure that decisions to address organisational issues were informed by input across all grades. In turn my Department's Action Plan under the Public Service Agreement drew very significantly on the cross-grade input already made to our ORP Review.

A new Partnership Committee was established in 2011 and its role is to actively contribute to the running of the Department through facilitation of effective communication at all levels in the Department. It facilitates the sharing of ideas in relation to many issues of concern to staff. Staff at all levels are encouraged to contact the Committee with any issues that can be dealt with by the Partnership process. The Partnership Committee is currently considering the re-establishment of a Staff Suggestion Scheme to provide a further opportunity for staff to contribute to Departmental reform and other relevant issues.

In addition to the above my Department engages with the Departmental Council, which includes representatives of all relevant trade unions, on a regular basis on all matters relating to the reform of the Department.

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